Telomere shortening is a prognostic factor in chronic hepatitis C virus infection

Background & Aims: Telomere shortening limits the proliferative capacity of human cells to 50–70 cell divisions. In humans, telomere shortening occurs in most organs during aging and characterizes the end stage of chronic diseases, such as cirrhosis. A current concept indicates that dysfunctional telomeres limit the regenerative capacity of cells and organs by inducing DNA damage signals leading to cell cycle arrest (senescence) or apoptosis. It is currently unknown, whether telomere shortening is a prognostic marker in chronic liver disease.